Governor Mike Parson, Friday announced the Missouri Department of Public Safety approved 428 grants totaling over $6.3 million to law enforcement, fire service, and Emergency Medical Services across the state, including Joplin. KRPS's Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.
Joplin received $60,000 total, with $20,000 in funding for the Fire Department, Police Department, and EMS.
The Joplin Fire Department will utilize the $20,000 to equip firefighters with a second set of fire turnout gear. Turnout gear includes pants, helmets, coats, boots, and gloves manufactured with composite layers to withstand the heat of fires.
Joplin Police Department's funding of $20,000 allows them to finish equipping all officers with body cameras, including 17 investigators, two sergeants, and one corporal.
This equipment increases the transparency and accountability of officers on duty.
Police Chief Sloan Rowland said in a press release, "This grant will help supplement our audio and video capacity as we hire and train new officers."
The $20,000 grant for emergency medical services is designated for EMS equipment to respond to emergencies, specifically to help resuscitate certain types of patients.
Funds will also assist in purchasing additional EMS training equipment and supplies.
The funding for these public safety grants is made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and was part of Governor Parson's Fiscal Year 2023 budget plan.
For 89 9 KRPS News, I'm Fred Fletcher-Fierro
